Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany River Cruise
Free drinks package
Experience some of the world’s most inspiring scenery on our spectacular cruise celebrating the wonders of the famous Middle Rhine Valley.
Prices Available
- Departure Date: 15th August 2025
- Total Nights: 10 Nights
- Cruise: MS George Eliot
- Package Type: Cruise Only
Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is one of the oldest and most reliable river cruise operators in the world, with 40 years of experience running guided and escorted tours, a land and water all around the world, including river cruises.
Riviera Travel operates a unique cruising experience, partnering with local guides and experts to create a programme of guided tours and river cruises, bringing like-minded travellers together and offering a selection of authentic and bespoke travel experiences.
The operator runs river cruises on European waterways like the Danube, Rhine and Douro, but also the Nile, Mekong and Yangtze. Championing escorted tours and guided holidays, Riviera Travel line also specialises in solo travel, providing a safe, friendly and social environment for travellers going it alone.
132
Passengers
36
Crew
2018
Launched
110m
Length
12m
Width
13kts
Speed
4
Decks
EUR
Currency
Overview
-
Free drinks package
-
Return flights & transfers
-
Full board dining
-
Free on-board Wi-Fi
-
All port charges & airport taxes
-
16 included experiences
-
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
Cologne
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
Day 2
Cologne
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
Day 3
Andernach
Day 4
Rüdesheim
Day 5
Mainz
Day 6
Miltenberg and Wertheim
Miltenberg is a city located in Bavaria and Southern part of Germany. Located on the banks of the river Maine the city grew from its medieval roots through Viniculture, wine trade, fishery, and general river traffic, into the established and preserved town of today. Visit the Museum Stadt Miltenberg, housed in the half timbered house called the Alte Amtskellerei (The Provost’s Office) and discover the town’s history through collections depicting culture back to the Romans. A visit to castle Miltenberg is also recommended. The castle dates back to the 11th century and is now owned by the city administration. With the castle in need of rehabilitation, the Museum Burg Miltenberg was opened to exhibit classic icons and contemporary art in a historical and significant setting. The keep of the castle, which reaches twenty seven metres high, offers picturesque views of the Main Valley below and is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some refreshments.
Day 7
Würzburg
Würzburg is a city in Bavaria in southern Germany. It is located on the River Main and is famous for its lavish baroque architecture and Franconian wine. The Residence Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended. It is a well known example of Baroque architecture with its acclaimed staircase, impressive frescos and imperial hall. Other impressive sites in Würzburg include the towering fortress of Festung Marienberg, the Alt Mainbrücke old bridge, which offers ideal views of the Marienberg, Dom St. Kilian cathedral and the many churches of Würzburg including the Romanesque Neumünster. Many of these sites have their own museums for visitors to learn of the history or view unique collections. Other museums of interest are the Mineralogical Museum, exhibiting the world of minerals and stones, and the Botanical Gardens, with various greenhouses and outdoor areas to enjoy. Wine lovers will find an abundance of wineries in Würzburg, offering cellar tours and wine tasting as well as traditional Bavarian cuisines and hospitality. Enjoy wine soup, Gerupfter (cheese spread) and Sauerbraten (braised beef in wine) in a friendly traditional wine tavern.
Day 8
Rothenburg & Ochsenfurt
Bamberg is a German town located over a landscape of seven hills and the confluence of Regnitz and Main rivers. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with Old Town home to structures dating back to the 11th century. An iconic landmark to visit in Bamberg is the town hall Altes Rathaus, located on an island in the Regnitz and covered in murals. Bamberg Cathedral, with its four towers and numerous stone carvings, is a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Head to the Market Gardeners District and visit the historical houses where centuries ago the town gardeners would grow and export produce such as onions, seeds and liquorice. In the town centre and heart of Little Venice, the rivers and arched bridges connecting the island city are reminiscent of Venice, with a lively atmosphere and modern shops set in historical surroundings. After a day shopping, head to one of the many Brewery pubs for some popular German beer. Bamberg is famous for its beer and is where its name originated from, with the town being populated by nine traditional breweries.
Day 9
Bamberg
Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.
Day 10
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.
Day 11
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.
Day 1
Cologne
Day 2
Cologne
Day 3
Andernach
Day 4
Rüdesheim
Day 5
Mainz
Day 6
Miltenberg and Wertheim
Day 7
Würzburg
Day 8
Rothenburg & Ochsenfurt
Day 9
Bamberg
Day 10
Nuremberg
Day 11
Nuremberg
Ship Details
Riviera Travel
MS George Eliot
The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Image Gallery
Customer Reviews
Cruise Overall
Ship
Dining
Service Onboard
Accomodation
Public Rooms
Embark & Disembark
Shore Excursions
Value For Money
Similar package deals
Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise
- Includes outbound flight
- Includes inbound flight
- 7 nights, departs on the 23rd Oct 2025
- Free drinks package
- 7 nights on board a five-star ship
- Return flights & transfers
-
- Return Eurostar & transfers
- 11 included experiences
- Full board dining
- Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
- Free on-board Wi-Fi
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
- All port charges & airport taxes
- Checked luggage
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Flight departs, Cologne, Koblenz +7 more
Rhine Cruise to Switzerland
- 7 nights, departs on the 23rd Oct 2026
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Flight departs, Cologne, Koblenz +7 more
Rhine and Moselle
- Includes outbound flight
- Includes inbound flight
- 7 nights, departs on the 17th Oct 2026
- 7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
- Upgrade to a deluxe or superior suite, or an upper deck cabin and benefit from the luxury of RIVIERAPLUS
- All meals on board, including welcome cocktails and the Chef’s Dinner
-
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Cologne, Cochem, Trier +5 more
Luxury Fly River Cruise
Medieval Germany River Cruise
- Includes outbound flight
- Includes inbound flight
- 7 nights, departs on the 25th Aug 2025
- 7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
- Upgrade to a deluxe or superior suite, or an upper deck cabin and benefit from the luxury of RIVIERAPLUS
- All meals on board, including welcome cocktails and the Chef’s Dinner plus a Superior drinks package*
-
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports
- Five-star service from an English speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
- 8 included experiences
- 7 guided tours including magnificent Mainz, delightful Miltenberg, intriguing Wertheim, Würzburg, picturesque Ochsenfurt, pretty Bamberg and historic Nuremberg
- Drive along the Romantic Road to visit charming Rothenburg
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Fly from the UK to Mainz, Germany, Embark ship and set sail from Mainz, Germany, Miltenberg & Wertheim +6 more
16 included experiences
Cruise the Heart of Europe: Journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube
- Includes outbound flight
- Includes inbound flight
- 14 nights, departs on the 29th Apr 2026
- 14 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
- Upgrade to a deluxe or superior suite, or an upper deck cabin and benefit from the luxury of RIVIERAPLUS
- All meals on board, including welcome cocktails, the Chef’s signature dinner plus a Superior drinks package
-
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
- Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports, or a one-way flight and return seats on the Eurostar to London St Pancras* (*A supplement may apply)
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Flight departs, Cologne, Koblenz +14 more
The Douro, Porto & Salamanca
- 7 nights, departs on the 9th Nov 2025
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Porto, Régua, At sea +5 more
The Seine, Paris & Normandy
- 7 nights, departs on the 8th Apr 2026
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Flight departs, Paris, Mantes-la-Jolie +7 more
Other dates available between June 2025-October 2026
The Blue Danube - Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg
- Includes outbound flight
- Includes inbound flight
- 7 nights, departs on the 26th Oct 2026
- Return flights plus transfers
- 7 nights on board a five-star ship
- Your choice of spacious cabins with window or French balcony
-
- Delicious full board dining (except one lunch if choosing the Salzburg excursion), plus Chef's Dinner
- Free drinks package*
- Complimentary on-board tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary.)
- Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
- All port charges & airport taxes
- 20kg+ checked luggage
- Cruise info: Riviera Travel,
- Itinerary: Flight departs, Budapest, Esztergom +7 more